The candidates who take time to understand cannabis as a plant, product and industry stand out

Q1. I have hypothyroidism and am on synthroid. Would smoking weed help my thyroid or cause it harm?

—Scott F., via email

Dr. Vahid Salimpour, a family physician with Apollo Cannabis Clinics, was asked for his input. Here’s what he had to say:

Although studies show that both the thyroid and the hypothalamus, which secrets TS or thyroid-stimulating hormone to control the thyroid function, have CB1 receptors (one of two main types of cannabinoid receptors and the one expressed in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system), it still remains unclear whether or not CBD (cannabidiol) has any influence on thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism.

There is no strong clinical evidence proving or disproving the positive or negative effects of CBD on hypothyroidism, or medications used in its management (for example, Levothyroxine). Furthermore, having seen more than 200 patients with hypothyroidism during the past 2.5 years of practice at Apollo Cannabis Clinics, Dr. Salimpour says he hasn’t noticed any change in their symptoms, laboratory results (TSH) or medication dosages that could be attributed to their use of CBD or cannabis. He says it is important to note that he will never recommend a patient smokes medical cannabis, as much safer alternatives like edible oils, capsules and vaporizing, are available.

Considering the positive metabolic effects of CBD and potential weight reduction, it is highly recommended to patients with hypothyroidism that they follow their pharmacist’s instructions about their thyroid medication closely, as well as following up with their family doctors or endocrinologist in first three to four months after starting CBD oil. This check will determine if an adjustment to their thyroid medication dosage is appropriate.

Q2. I’m looking at getting in the cannabis industry while it’s booming, but am having trouble finding legitimate courses to help get me there. Any suggestions?

—Victoria Y., via email

Ten cannabis course options to check out

There are a number of post-secondary education courses available for people looking to join one of North America’s fastest-growing industries. Options include in-person classes and online courses that can be completed at one’s own pace.

In no particular order, here are 10 options to check out.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, in partnership with the National Institute of Cannabis Health and Education, has created three online courses for those wanting a career in the cannabis sector. David Purcell, director of emerging business at Kwantlen Polytechnic, explains that the demand for a trained workforce is significant. “We are proud of our institutional partnerships and are committed to providing relevant and legitimate workforce training to meet the needs of this highly regulated, emerging industry,” Purcell notes. Available course include Marketing Under the Cannabis Act (where the author is an instructor), Plant Production & Facility Management, and Financing a Cannabis Enterprise in Canada. The courses are also offered at institutions in Victoria, Calgary, Belleville, Ont. and College Boreal, which has 10 campuses across Ontario.

Cannabis At Work provides online training classes at $50 per course that can be completed in about an hour and come with a certificate of completion. “The candidates that take time to understand cannabis as a plant, product and industry stand out,” says founder and CEO Alison McMahon. “Our courses help position job-seekers because they can demonstrate they’ve proactively learned about the industry and can speak confidently about the plant,” she notes.

Ryerson is offering the new introductory cannabis, non-credit course, The Business of Cannabis, through its Chang School for Continuing Education.

In January, the University of Ottawa plans to launch a class on cannabis law taught by lawyers Joël M. Dubois and Megan D. Wallace from Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall.

For hopeful retailers, the B.C.-based College of the Rockies has a cannabis retail specialist class that covers both plant science relating to the plant and to customer service. The 26-week course is offered four times annually online and includes a work placement.

Q3: A Washington State news ad noted it is illegal to use cannabis while riding as a passenger, cannabis must be kept in an original, unopened pack, and when driving with cannabis, it must be out of reach, such as in the trunk. Do these rules apply to Canada?

—Jay. J., via email

In all provinces and territories, driving while under the influence is a crimeDavid Lucas /
Postmedia

Canadian provinces all have similar rules of which drivers need to be aware. For example, in B.C., there is a strict no-cannabis-in-the-vehicle rule, unless it is from a licensed producer and is in its original unopened or sealed package, as well as is inaccessible to all passengers. In PEI, the cannabis can be in an open package, but cannot be within reach of anyone in the vehicle. The only province that doesn’t have any restrictions on traveling with cannabis is New Brunswick. That said, in all provinces and territories, driving while under the influence is a crime.

Additional information relating to each province’s impaired driving restrictions is available here.

Gill Polard is the co-host of the High Friends podcast and the creator of The Her(B) Life website, which celebrates the feminine cannabis experience through industry interviews, essays, and stories.

There is a lot about cannabis most people don’t know and we want to change that. If you have any questions send them to us at thegrowthop@postmedia.com.

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